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POLAR COLONIZATION 



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EXPLORATION. 






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POLAR COLONIZATION. 



To the Honorable Senators and Members of the forty- 
fourth Congress this brief memoir is respectfully submitted, 
in the hope that its perusal will convince them of the wis- 
dom of supporting the plan for establishing a temporary 
Arctic colony which it sets forth, and in the hope that, 
under the direction of Divine Providence, it may prove of 
service in promoting and furthering the attainment of an 
object so worthy alike of national ambition and of national 
success. 

HEKRY W. HOWGATE. 



ARCTIC EXPLORATION. 



In the House of Represenatives, January 8, 1877. Read 
twice, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and 
ordered to be printed. 

Mr. Hunter, on leave, introduced the following bill : A 
bill to authorize and equip an expedition to the Arctic Seas. 

" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
President of the United States be authorized to organize 
and send out one or more expeditions toward the north pole, 
and to establish a temporary colony, for purposes of explor- 
ation, at some point north of the eighty-first degree of north 
latitude, on or near the shore of Lady Franklin Bay ; to 
detail such officers or other persons of the public service to 
take part in the same as may be necessary, and to use any 
public vessel that may be suitable for the purpose ; the 
scientific operations of the expedition to be prosecuted in 
accordance with the advice of the National Academy of 
Science ; and that the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or such 
part therof as may be necessary, be hereby appropriated out 
of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, 
to be expended under the direction of the President: Pro- 
vided, that no part of the sum so appropriated shall be car- 
ried to the surplus fund or covered into the Treasury 
until the purpose of the appropriation shall have been 
completed, but may be applied to expenses of said expedition 
incurred during any subsequent year that said expedition 
may be engaged in its duties." 



INTRODUCTORY. 

The history of Arctic exploration is one of the most 
thrilling interest, and its pages, whether turned by the 
hands of youth or of mature r years, enchain alike the facul- 
ties of thought and fancy with a weird fascination akin to 
that whereby the "ancient mariner" held the wedding 
guest a captive to his will. Since the days of the gallant 
Frobisher — the first Englishman who sailed in search of the 
famous northwest passage — of Raleigh, Drake and Hawkins, 
the gallant men of Devon, and of the fated Hendrick Hud- 
son, who perished so miserably upon his ill-starred quest, 
down to the latter times of Ross and Parry, of the canonized 
Franklin and the unfortunate Hall, the icy barriers of the 
Pole have guarded, still unsolved, their strange, mysterious 
riddle, as surely as the Egyptian sphinx has kept its hidden 
lore beneath the burning sands of an equally inhospitable 
clime. The lists of holy martyrdom contain no names illu- 
minated by a purer piety, the rolls of chivalry no titles 
gilded by deeds of greater prowess, than the history of that 
strange region has given to an admiring world or shrouded 
from the knowledge of mankind behind its un lifted veil of 
mystery. Men of many diverse nations have penetrated 
those gloomy fastnesses to wage fierce warfare for the sake 
of science and of gain, while the impelling motives of the 
navigators have been as various as their nationalities. The 
love of adventure which stimulated the hardy sons of Devon 
was spurred to more earnest action by visions of Cathay, 
but the lust for gold which sought its outlet and highway 
in the " northwest passage " has not alone inspired the 
breasts of those who made the oft-recurring journeys over 
this frozen road to honor. The high minded sentiments of 
honorable governments who would not leave to unknown 
fates the gallant sons whom they sent forth to conquer 
nature, and the undying love of a great lady for her missing 
lord — a love which knew no shadow of change through 
time or doubt or distance — these nobler causes have con- 
tributed more than all else to emblazon the pages of Arctic 
history with names whose lustre time can never dim. Nor 
has mankind alone been the explorer of these hidden 
regions. Ships manned by no human hands have sailed 
the ice bound seas. Steered by the helmsman Fate upon 
their unknown voyage through Boreal solitudes they have 



yet returned staunch, taut and seaworthy; and although no 
human intelligence traced upon the log book any record of 
the cruise, still they have told to practical eyes truths which 
have iiided the unraveling of the great primeval mystery. 

The history of several abandonded whaling vessels, and 
more particularly of the Resolute — her fifteen months' soli- 
tary cruise and subsequent recovery — is too well known to 
need further mention here. 

But the glamor of romance and the intense longing to 
grapple with and solve the mysteries of the unknown — 
strong though their influence may be upon the human 
mind and the human inclination — sink to utter insignificance 
when compared with the nobler aims which urge mankind 
toward the conquest of the Pole. Almost every depart- 
ment, of terrestrial and celestial science alike, abounds 
with great problems whose solution will be found alone be- 
hind the icy barriers of the North, and to a few of these 
the attention of the reader will be briefly directed. 

' GEOGRAPHY. 

This science will derive most substantial benefits and ad- 
ditions from further Polar research. To ascertain whether 
the Polar sea contains important lands or islands scattered 
throughout it, and to settle finally the true configuration of 
Greenland, may be noted as two of the most important 
points to be decided. 

HYDROGRAPHY AND METEOROLOGY. 

Already in. these two great branches of science, so im- 
portant, not only to the needs of trade and commerce, but 
to our daily wants and existence, the United States are in 
advance of all the nations of the earth, and in no other re- 
gion are discoveries so important to be looked for as will 
doubtless be made within the Polar basin. The question of 
ocean streams and currents, where the Gulf stream and 
Kurosiwo end and the Polar current commences, with the 
phenomena attending the diurnal rise and fall of the tides, 
the direction, changes, velocity and character of winds, also 
many questions of temperature, can nowhere be studied 
with absolute success unless it be within this wondrous area. 

GEODESY. 

A series of observations upon the vibrations of a pendu- 
lum swinging in the immediate vicinity of the Pole can 



alone accurately determine the true configuration of the 
earth and settle definitely many disputed points connected 
with the laws of gravity which are still uncertain. Upon 
these important subjects some of the most valuable infor- 
mation yet obtained has been gained from the careful and 
thorough experiments made by the scientific members of 
the Polaris expedition, experiments under the direction of 
our own National Academy of Science. 

MAGNETISM, ASTRONOMY, &C. 

Terrestrial magnetism and atmospheric electricity can be 
studied in these regions more satisfactorily and with better 
prospects of important discovery than in any other portion 
of the globe. In solar and stellar chemistry, numberless 
facts concerning the solar corona and the zodiacal and auroral 
lights are yet wanting to a more perfect knowledge of the 
science and its laws, facts which must be looked for near 
the Pole, and there alone. The study of the spectrum of the 
sun, the aurora, and the Arctic twilight, will yield rich and 
increasing treasurers of knowledge. A phenomena defying 
all description and accurate classification, its study in high 
latitudes by careful observers, and the spectrum analysis will 
yield new and important truths to science. The Arctic win- 
ter is a more pleasant season for such observations than is 
usually supposed. The long Polar night is said to be 
" more endurable and more enjoyable" with its corruscating 
splendors of the aurora borealis, than the same season fur- 
ther south, with its mist and fog. To quote Dr. Kane, "the 
intense beauty of the Arctic firmament can hardly be im- 
agined; it looked close above our heads, with its stars 
magnified in glory, and the very planets twinkling so much 
as to baffle the observation of our astronomer." 

MINERALOGY. 

The Polar regions are rich in this department. Graphite, 
and other useful minerals are abundant, while cryolite, the 
double fluoride of sodium and aluminum, which has been 
found so invaluable in the industrial arts of this country, is 
not known to exist in any other part of the world. Gold 
has also been found, and a colony remaining for several 
seasons would probably be able to determine the extent and 
value of the auriferous deposits. 

GEOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY, ETC. 

The geology of this distant clime is especially worthy of 



6 

close and extended study, while its flora and fauna are of 
the greatest interest to the naturalist. The Arctic regions 
are the richest of the world in fossil remains, and in the de- 
partment of Ethnolog}^ suggest an inquiry of equal interest 
and importance. In latitude 81° 30', Captain Hall found 
traces of human beings, and if land should be found at the 
pole, within the Polar sea, traces may be discovered of that 
race of Arctic Highlanders, anterior to the Esquimaux, of 
whose former existence Sir John Ross obtained such, indubi- 
table proofs.* 

Tt is impossible in a brief memoir to do more than glance, 
in the briefest manner, at the principal triumphs which are 
to be won in these far distant -regions and in the cause of 
science, while the absolute poverty of any summary, so at- 
tempted, can readily be imagined when it is remembered 
that the volume of scientific instruction and suggestion, 
prepared under the direction of the British Royal Society, 
or the guidance of Arctic explorers, contained nearly 800 
pages. 

From the year 860, when Naddodr, the Norwegian, sailed 
northwest toward the Arctic regions and discovered the 
island of Iceland, down to the departure of Captain Allen 
Young from England, in 1876, to communicate with the 
depots of the Alert and the Discovery under Captain Xares, 
there have been no less than two hundred Arctic voyages of 
which we possess authentic record. In the 9th century there 
was one, in the tenth one, in the eleventh, twelfth, thir- 
teenth and fourteenth centuries, one each. Then they com- 
mence to increase very rapidly in numbers, for in the fif- 
teenth century there were three ; in the sixteenth, twenty- 
two, and in the seventeenth, thirty-eight; while from 1800 
to 1850 there were thirty-seven, and from 1851 to 1876, no 
less than sixty-nine expeditions. 

It is only necessary here, however, to glance rapidly at 
five of the most recent Arctic voyages. 

DE HAVEN'S EXPEDITION. 

This was first in order of those which may be considered 
purely American, and was fitted out by the United States 
Government, but chiefly at the cost of Mr. Henry Grinnell, 



* There prevails, indeed, even now, among the Esquimaux, traditions of 
lands far north of their own, inhabited by a people superior to themselves in 
knowledge and intelligence; lands where long bearded men fatten the musk 
ox and where churches and clocks are found. 



of New York City. It consisted of two small brigs, the 
Advance, of 140, and the Rescue, of 90 tons ; was organized 
for the purpose of exploration, and also of searching for the 
missing Sir John Franklin, being designed to co-operate 
with several English expeditions for the same purpose which 
had started for, or were already cruising within the Arctic 
circle. The expedition was commanded with distinguished 
ability and zeal throughout by Lieutenant Edwin J. DeHa- 
ven, of the United States Navy, and sailed from New York 
May 24, 1850, accompanied, as surgeon and naturalist, by 
the celebrated Eastern and Arctic explorer, Dr. Kane, of 
whom more hereafter. The plan of the. expedition was to 
push forward, without delay, toward Bank's Land and Mel- 
ville Island, and generally to make the best use of every 
opportunity for exploring in that direction. At this time 
there were within the Eastern Arctic waters no less than 
eleven vessels belonging to various exploring expeditions. 
DeHaven visited Cape Riley and Beechy Island, about three 
miles west of the cape and just at the entrance of Welling- 
ton Channel, in the latter part of August, where traces of 
the Franklin party had been found, and wintered in the vi- 
cinity of ships of the other expeditions. The spring of 
1851 was devoted to land explorations, in which the. shores 
of Wellington Channel, the coast of Bank's Land, and the 
waters leading from Barrow's Strait to Melville Island, were 
thoroughly explored. DeHaven, with his compeers, dicov- 
ered 675 miles of hitherto unknown coast, and to him and 
his expedition belongs exclusively the honor of discovering 
Grinnell Land, to the north and west of Smith's Sound and 
Kennedy Channel. Finally, their expedition, which had 
gallantly led the way wherever they could go, and whose 
commander earned for himself at the hands of the English 
the sobriquet of " the mad Yankee," after enduring much 
suffering and danger, arrived in New York, the Advance on 
September 30, and the Rescue on October 3, 1851, having 
been absent a little over sixteen months, and having win- 
tered within the Arctic seas. It is worthy of notice here 
that Lieutenant DeHaven invariably found that the water of 
the Polar seas preserved beneath the ice a temperature of 
28° Fahrenheit, or 4° below the melting point of fresh 
water ice. 

DR. KANE'S EXPEDITION. 

This expedition was another of those sent out in search of 



Sir John Franklin. It was fitted out at the expense of the 
United States, Mr. Grinnell and Mr. George Peabody; 
sailed from New York May 30, 1853, and followed the Smith 
Sound route. Kane wintered in 1853-54 in Rensselaer Bay, 
on the western coast of Greenland in latitude 78° 37' north. 
Leaving his ship, the Advance, he made a boat journey to 
Upernavik, 6° further south, and next traced Kennedy 
Channel, the northerly prolongation of Smith's Sound, to 
latitude 81° 22' north, and sighted the highest northerly 
land which had been seen up to that time. Hayes, who ac- 
companied him, reached a still higher latitude in dog- 
sledges. Members of the expedition saw an open sea to the 
north of Kennedy Channel with tides which ebbed and 
flowed, and these tides must have come from the Atlantic 
ocean, most probably by and through the North Atlantic 
Channel. Members of this expedition, during its stay in 
these regions, penetrated as far as latitude 80° 35', a point 
named by thern Cape Constitution, in Washington Land. 
On May 17, 1855, they abandoned the Advance, and after a 
journey of eighty-four days in boats and sledges, after many 
narrow escapes and much privation they reached Uper- 
navik on the 9th of August, where they were found by 
Captain Hartstene, commanding the 'Release and steamer 
Arctic, an expedition which had been fitted out by the United 
States to find and rescue them. Dr. Kane, in a scientific 
point of view, attained most important results, among some 
of them may be mentioned the following: 

1. The discovery of a large channel to the northwest, 
free of ice, and leading into an open and expanding area, 
equally free. 

2. The discovery and delineation of a large tract of land, 
forming the extension northward of the American con- 
tinent. 

3. The completion of the circuit of the straits and bay 
heretofore known at their southermost opening of Smith's 
Sound. 

The expedition finally reached New York, on its return, 
in October, 1855, having spent two winters in the Polar 
regions. A remarkable feature of this expedition was that 
the existence of the open Polar Sea which it discovered, had 
been already maintained by T)r. Kane, in a paper read before 
the American Geographical Society, October 14th, 1852. 
"Well deserved honors were showered upon the lion hearted 
explorer. Gold medals were awarded to him by Congress, 



9 

by the Legislature of New York, and by the Royal Geo- 
graphical Society of London. He also received the Queen's 
medal given to Arctic explorers between the years 1818 and 
1856, and a testimonial from the British residents of New 
York city. 

HAYES' EXPEDITION. 

Dr. Isaac I. Hayes, who accompanied the enterprise just 
referred to, and a firm believer in the theory of the open 
Polar Sea, succeeded with the aid of private subscriptions in 
organizing and fitting out another Arctic exploring expedi- 
tion. With a company of only fourteen men he left Boston 
July 6, 1860, in the schooner United States for Proven and 
Upernavik, in Greenland, arriving at the latter place on the 
12th of August, where he took on board three Danes, three 
Esquimaux and a number of dogs for sledge work. Hayes 
entered Baffin's Bay about the 20th of August, but was so 
delayed by ice that although he had designed reaching some 
point between latitude 79° and 80°, the schooner was frozen 
in at Port Foulke, a point about latitude 78°. Several sledge 
journeys were made during the winter months, but were 
somewhat barren of results until April 3, when with several 
sledges drawn by dogs, a lifeboat upon another sledge drawn 
by men, and twelve of his crew, he started across Smith's 
Sound to Grinnell Land to explore its coast line. After 
encountering great danger and difficulty, sending back nearly 
all the party, several sledges and the -lifeboat, which could 
not be carried further, Hayes with three men reached Cape 
Hawks, Grinnell Land, on May the 11th. Turning north- 
wards, they explored the coast for several days, but the men 
were exhausted, and Hayes was obliged to leave two of them 
on the way. With Knorr, his remaining companion, Dr. 
Hayes reached latitude 81° 35' on May 18, 1861, further 
advance being forbidden by the rotten ice and cracks. 
Having no boat the explorer retraced his steps, and taking 
up in detail the men he had dropped out en route, he reached 
the schooner in the beginning of June, after a toilsome 
journey, when, finding that she was so much damaged as to 
render further extended exploration impossible, he returned 
to Boston in October, 1861, fully determined to make another 
effort, which the civil war prevented him from undertaking. 

CAPTAIN HALL. 

This expedition, the last sent out from American shores, 
and the one, which in spite of its unfortunate conclusion, 



10 

did more towards the solution of the points in question and 
the advancement of scientific knowle'clge than any of its 
predecessors, left Newfoundland, June 29th, 1871, sailed up 
Smith's Sound, and reached the 80th parallel ahout the end 
of August. Thence it proceeded up Kennedy Channel, and 
penetrated into Robeson Channel, its northern prolongation, 
and only thirteen miles wide. This passage was followed 
to 82° 16' north latitude, being the highest point up to that 
time attained by any ship. Thence she returned to winter 
in Thank-God Harbor, a point on Robeson Channel latitude 
81° 38. During the early autumn of the same year, Captain 
Hall made a sledge journey northwards, reaching latitude 
82° 3', and returning from this journey was taken ill and 
died November 8th, 1871, when Captain Buddington, the 
former sailing master, succeeded to the command. The 
Polaris left her winter quarters in August, 1872, and on 
October 15, 1872, being fast in the ice about latitude 78° 
20' and leaking badly, a part of the crew, while landing pro- 
visions, were separated from her by the breaking up of the 
ice floe, and drifted rapidly southward. On April 30, 1873, 
they were picked up by the ship Tigress — sent out by the 
United States to find and rescue them — in latitude 53° 35' 
north The remainder of the crew who were left on the 
Polaris were rescued June 23d, 1873, by the Scotch steamer 
Pavenscraig, about latitude 75° 30'. 

CAPTAIN NARBS. 

It may not be out of place here to give a brief outline of 
the last expedition which has returned from the Polar basin, 
and thus bring down to the present date the records of 
Arctic research, more especially as the route which it took 
was that followed by Kane, Hayes and Hall. The Alert and 
Discovery, under Captains Nares and Stephenson, sailed 
from England in May, 1875, and left Upernavik in Green- 
land July 22d of the same year. Passing through Smith's 
Sound and Kennedy Channel, the Discovery wintered in 
latitude 81° 44', but the Alert struggled on through Robe- 
son Channel, rounded the northeast point of Grantland, and 
found not, as was anticipated, a continuous coast line, but a 
vast ice bound sea. Finding no harbor, the ship was 
secured inside a barrier of ice in latitude 82° 31', the most 
northerly wintering place ever yet occupied by man. The 
winter which followed was the severest on record. For 142 
days the sun was never seen, and the mercury was frozen 



11 

during a period of nearly nine weeks. Upon one occasion 
the thermometer showed 104° below the freezing point, and 
during two fearful weeks the mean temperature was 91° 
below the freezing point. As soon as the sun reappeared 
sledge exploration began. One party went east, exploring 
the northern shore of Greenland, and the other explored 
westward on the shores of G-rantland. Captain Stephenson, 
of the Discovery, crossed Robeson Channel to Polaris Bay 
and erected over the grave of Captain Hall a tablet with a 
suitable inscription, which had been brought out from Eng- 
land for the purpose. The shores of Grantland were traced 
to longitude 85° 33', while those of Greenland were ex- 
plored as far east as (west) longitude 50° 40'. Lastly, a 
party commanded by Commander Markham pushed north- 
ward, and after unheard of difficulties, on May 12, 1876, 
they planted the British flag in latitude 83° 20' 26", which 
is believed to be the most northern point ever reached by 
civilized man. After accomplishing these results the ex- 
pedition returned to Great Britain, arriving at Valencia, 
Ireland, October 27th, 1876. 

CAUSES OF FAILURE. 

From this rapid survey of the more recent expeditions it 
will be seen that though Dr. Hayes, with only limited means 
at his command, and a small number of men made as 
high a latitude as 81° 35' in 1861: Captain Hall went only 
thirty-six nautical miles beyond him ; while Captain ISTares, 
with two vessels and over a hundred men, fitted out at a 
cost of a million of dollars, went only some seventy nautical 
miles beyond Captain Hall's furthest northern point. The 
records of Arctic exploration afford' to the careful reader 
many details of great and exceeding interest, and none of 
these are more instructive than those which point the causes 
leading to the failure of so many expeditions planned with 
so much prudence and foresight, so thoroughly organized 
and so brave'ry led.. Prominent amongst these causes may 
be named the following : 

First The expeditions were frequently sent out in the 
severest seasons, and at times when meteorological science, 
now so closely studied, was either in its infancy or entirely 
unknown, and could not be used to forecast the possibilities 
of closed or open seasons. 

Second. Much valuable time — often the precious period 
during which alone the way was open and the temperature 



12 

favorable — was lost by the explorers in making the voyage 
to the scene of their operations, which they reached, in many 
instances, only to find exploration impossible, and to be en- 
closed for whole seasons in the relentless ice, advance or 
retreat being alike impossible. 

Third. The hardships of this voyage out, with its delays, 
too often so tried the men and sapped their strength that 
upon arriving in the Arctic basin they were unfitted for 
the work of exploration. 

Fourth. The neglect or insufficient use of lime juice and 
other anti-scorbutics. 

Fifth. The lack of proper discipline, which, in expedi- 
tions of this kind should be of the most thorough and per- 
fect character. 

Sixth. The failure to emploj^ the Esquimaux as guides, 
hunters and assistants, and their invaluable dogs for draft 
purposes in the sledges. 

Seventh. The imperfect means of communication — such, 
for instance, as signalling or telegraphing — between sepa- 
rated members or parties of the same expedition : and, 

Eighth, and most important of all, a cause, fruitful of 
much disaster, which has sown in so many promising un- 
dertakings of the kind the seeds of dissension and of utter 
failure — dependence upon their vessels. Having their ships 
always near them, or within reach in case of need, as 
" cities of refuge" — having save them no fixed habitation, 
rendezvous or base of operations — with them they were 
timid, unadventurous and irresolute, while without them 
they were helpless and despairing. 

And this brings us to the plan which is now proposed for 
adoption, a plan in which it is hoped to redeem the errors of 
the past by the knowledge of the present and the fair prom- 
ise of the future. From the wrecks of former expeditions, 
with their tales of suffering and disaster, we should be able 
to pluck at last the weapon with which to conquer success. 
The days of spasmodic and unsupported expeditions have 
passed away, and a new era should open with the effort to 
commence the steady conquest, step by step — each step 
being used as the coign of vantage from which to plan and 
plant its successor — of the ice-bound cordon which environs 
the open sea, until the Columbus of Arctic discovery shall 
plow its virgin waters. 



13 
THE COLONIZATION PLAN. 

PRELIMINARY. 

The expedition of Captain Hall in the Polaris, in 1871, and 
of Captain Nares in the Alert and Discovery, in 1875, have 
shown that by the use of steam it is a comparatively easy 
matter to reach the entrance to Robeson's Channel in lati- 
tude 81° north, and that the serious difficulties to be over- 
come in reaching the Pole lie beyond that point. Parties 
from the two expeditions have made fair surveys 140 miles 
north of this, leaving only about 400 miles of unexplored re- 
gions between that and the goal of modern geographers — the 
Pole. 

"When Captain Hall reached the upper extremity of Robe- 
son's Channel the lookout of the Polaris reported open 
water in sight and just beyond the pack which surrounded 
the vessel and prevented further progress. This open water 
was afterwards seen from the cape at the northern opening 
of Newman's Bay, and it was the opinion of the crew of that 
ill-fated vessel that if she had been but the fraction of an 
hour earlier in reaching the channel they could have steam- 
ed unobstructed over a veritable " open sea " to the Pole 
itself. We know that they did not succeed, but were forced 
to winter almost within sight of this sea, and subsequently, 
disheartened by the loss of their gallant commander, aban- 
doned the enterprise. 

Where this open water was found Captain Nares, in 1875 
and 1876, found solid, impenetrable ice, through which no 
vessel could force its way, and over which it was equally im- 
possible for sledge parties to work. 

These facts appear to show that within the Arctic circle the 
seasons vary as markedly as in more temperate southern 
latitudes, and that the icy barriers to the Pole are sometimes 
broken up by favoring winds and temperature. To reach the 
Pole prompt advantage must be taken of such favoring cir- 
cumstances, and to do this with the greatest certainty and 
with the least expenditure of time, money, and human life, 
it is essential that the exploring party be on the ground at 
the very time the ice gives way and opens the gateway to the 
long sought prize. This can only be done by colonizing a 
few hardy, resolute, and experienced men at some point 
near the borders of the Polar Sea, and the most favorable 
one for the purpose appears to be that where the Discovery 
wintered last year. 



14 



THE COLONY. 



Such a party should consist of at least fifty men, and 
should be provided with provisions and other necessary sup- 
plies for three years, at the end of which period they should 
be visited, and if still unsuccessful in accomplishing the 
object, revictualled and again left to their work. Captain 
Hall spent eight years among the Esquimaux, and each year 
found himself better fitted to withstand the severity of the 
Arctic circle, and the party of which I speak would in like 
manner become acclimated, and eventually succeed in ac- 
complishing the long-sought end. With a strong, substan- 
tial building, such as could easily be carried on shipboard, 
the party could be made as comfortable and as safe from 
atmospheric dangers as are the men of the signal service 
stationed on the summits of Pike's Peak and Mount Wash- 
ington, or the employes of the Hudson's Bay Company 
stationed at Fort York, where a temperature of minus 60 
degrees is not uncommon. A good supply of medicine, a 
skillful surgeon, and such fresh provision as could be found 
by hunting parties would enable them to keep oif scurvy, 
and to maintain as good a sanitary condition as the inhabi- 
tants of Godhaven, in Greenland. Game was found in fair 
quantities by the Polaris party on the Greenland coast, and 
by those from the Alert and Discovery on the mainland to the 
west, especially in the vicinity of the last-named vessel, 
where fifty-four musk oxen were killed during the season, 
with quantities of other and smaller game. A seam of good 
coal was also found by the Discovery's' party, which would 
render the question of fuel a light one, and thus remove one 
of the greatest difficulties hitherto found by Arctic voyagers. 

The principal depot or post is to be located upon Lady 
Frankin Bay between latitude 81° and 82°, and there is 
no question that this can be reached with a steam vessel, as 
Captain Hall went as high as Cape Union, between latitude 
82° and 83° with the Polaris, and Captain Nares still higher 
with the Alert. It is probable that the last named point 
may be reached with the vessel, in which case coal and pro- 
visions could be deposited there to form a secondary base 
of operations for the exploring party. If this latter can he 
done the road to the Pole will be shortened by about ninety 
miles in distance and three weeks or more in time, two very 
important items. It should be clearly understood, that 
the only use to be made of the vessel, which it is hoped 



15 

to obtain from the ]STavy Department, is in the transporta- 
tion of the men and supplies to the location of the colony. 
When this is done the vessel will return to the United States 
and await further instructions. An annual visit might be 
made to the colony, to carry fresh food and supplies, to keep 
its members informed of events occurring in the outside 
world, and bear them news and letters from anxious rela- 
tives, to bring back news of progress made and of a private 
character to friends; also, if necessary, to bring back in- 
valided members of the expedition, and carry out fresh 
colonists to take their places. This annual visit, however, 
is not absolutely necessary, for if the return trip is deferred 
until the third year, it is probable that the work of the 
colony will be found completed, and it can be permanently 
abandoned. The vessel should, of course, take out a 
sufficient quantity of supplies to enable the colony to 
remain longer than three years if necessary. It is hoped 
that Congress will authorize the employment of detailed 
officers and men to form the majority of the colony, as this 
plan will best secure that military discipline, without which 
the failure of former expeditions will undoubtedly find a 
new parallel in this last one. The permanent colony shall 
consist of fifty selected men , mustered into the service of the 
United States, three commisisoned officers, and two sur- 
geons ; all to be selected with a view to their especial fitness 
for the w r ork, young, able bodied, resolute men, who can be 
depended upon to carry out instructions to the extreme limit 
of human endurance. An astronomer and two or more 
naturalists, to be selected by the National Academy of 
Sciences, and to work under instructions from that body, but 
subject to such general supervision and direction from the 
head of the expedition, as is customary at all posts in charge 
of an officer of the United States, should accompany the 
expedition. One or more members of the regular force 
should be competent to make. meteorological observations, 
and to communicate by telegraph and signals whenever such 
communication becomes necessary. 

ESQUIMAUX AND DOGS. 

To the expeditionary corps brought from the United 
States should be added a number of Esquimaux to serve as 
hunters, guides, &c, and who can be taken over with their 
families from Disco or Upernavik, in Greenland, and also 
an ample number of the Esquimaux dogs, so indispensable 



16 

for sledging and so useful as food when their capacity for 
work is gone. 

ANTI-SCORBUTICS. 

The outfit of the Polaris expedition offers a safe guide in 
this respect, and one which, if followed, will afford proper 
safeguards against scurvy. Lime juice has been used too 
often and has proved too absolute an antidote for its virtues 
to be called in question now. 

THE COLONY 

should be kept under the strictest discipline, and to this end 
should be formally enrolled in the military service, save 
perhaps the strictly scientific members. By discipline only 
can such control be exercised as will be indispensable to the 
successful ending of the search. 

One cannot read without pain the account of the Polaris' 
expedition, where the bonds of discipline, only too loose 
before Hall's untimely death, were entirely relaxed after it. 
The first in command of the new expedition should be a man 
able not only to gauge men but to control them, and his 
second should be like unto him. Enthusiasm and energy 
are especially desirable, but coolness of temper, firmness of 
rule, persistency of purpose, and a well balanced mind, fer- 
tile in resources and expedients, are indispensable to success. 

The outfit of the expedition should include some two 
hundred miles or more of copper wire, to connect the colony 
at Lady Franklin Bay with the subsidiary depot at Cape 
Union, and thence northward as far as practicable. Copper 
wire is strong, light, flexible and a good conductor, and can 
be worked while lying upon the dry snow or ice without 
support. The necessary battery, material and instruments 
should be taken to equip the amount of line, and the battery 
could be kept permanently at the Bay station, where, fuel 
being abundant, it could be kept from freezing. A few 
sets of signal equipments, such as are used in the army sig- 
nal service, would also form an indispensable part of the 
outfit, and all of the men should be instructed in their use 
and in the signal code. Thus provided with means of com- 
munication the sledging parties could move forward with 
confidence, as they would be able, when necessary, to call 
upon their comrades who remained behind for advice or 
assistance. Open water will, it is believed, be found in any 
ordinary season before the party gets as far north as 83° 20' 



17 

.26", the turning point of Lieutenant Markham's sledge party, 
and that boats can thence be used to the land which it is 
still believed will be found about latitude 85°, in accord- 
ance with Captain Hall's theory based upon the native 
traditions. The existence of coal at the Discovery's winter 
quarters settles the question of colonization and the location 
of the colony as a means of Polar exploration ; and the 
Nares expedition would have been a success if it had done 
nothing more than this. The failure of his admirably equip- 
ped expedition is in a great measure attributable to the ab- 
normally cold season and the exceptionable character of the 
winds, which had resulted in the formation of ice ridges 
running across the line of march, thus making progress dif- 
ficult, slow and dangerous. It is reasonable to suppose from 
past meteorological records that these unusual conditions 
will not exist during the preseut season, and, indeed, may 
not occur again for several years. Instead of discouraging 
further effort, the failure of Nares' expedition from the 
causes named should stimulate fresh endeavors, and hold 
out a fair prospect of success. At any rate, the little colony 
on Lad}' Franklin Bay during their three years' residence, 
besides having the opportunity of selecting an open season, 
and becoming thoroughly hardened and acclimated, would 
have their work narrowed down to a common focus — the 
pathway due north. The work of the ISTares expedition clears 
the way for a direct movement upon the Pole. The explora- 
tions westward along the coast by Lieutenant Aldrich, and 
eastward by Lieutenant Beaumont, obviate the necessity for 
similar work now. Upon landing and unloading the stores 
and provisions quarters should be erected, and the vessel, 
returning to the United States, would leave behind her a 
thoroughly equipped, self supporting and self reliant colony 
which would push, ever northward, the limits of discovery. 

SLEDGE JOURNEYS. 

The attempt to draw the loaded sledges by means of mere 
manual labor should not be made unless it should become 
in any particular instance a matter of absolute necessity, as 
it is sure to result disastrously, and seems to have been one 
of the causes of failure of the Nares expedition. The ex- 
pedition from the colony to the Pole may consist of eight 
sledges, with six men to each sledge, the distance to be 
traveled being some 400 miles, divided into eight stages of 
fifty miles each. At the end of the first stage one sledge 



18 

could be sent back. A portion of the provisions which it 
originally carried would have been consumed, and the rest 
would have been deposited in a cache in the ice secure from 
Arctic animals. At the end of the second stage the second 
sledge would be sent back ; at the close of the third stage 
the third sledge would take up its homeward journey, and, 
following out this plan, only a single sledge would remain. 
The returning sledges being but lightly freighted, and 
traveling, moreover, a route already pioneered, several of 
their hands could be retained so as to man the eighth sledge 
with ten or more explorers. This last sledge with its full 
complement would perform the most important work of all. 
It would press forward, reach the Pole, make the necessary 
observations and then return. Upon its homeward jour- 
ney it would follow the route already made in the forward 
journey, and would find provisions at each successive cache. 
This portion of the plan would be useful in a closed season, 
but in an open one the journey would have to be made 
either wholly in boats or partly in these and partly by 
sledges. 

ADVANTAGES OF THE SMITH'S SOUND ROUTE. 

This route is preferable to that by Spitsbergen, where the 
ice drift is much greater and where the all important vein 
of coal does not exist. Moreover, two recent expeditions, 
those of Hall and Nares, have shown that the whole length 
of the Sound is practicable for steaming up as far as Dis- 
covery Harbor, on Lady Franklin Bay, if not beyond, in any 
ordinarily open season. But it is not doubted that during 
its three years' sojourn the colony may experience and take 
advantage of such a season as will carry an expedition much 
farther, and perhaps even the whole distance to the Pole. 
There is a warm current setting steadily northward from the 
Pacific Ocean through Behring's Straits, which constitutes 
the mighty ocean river of the Kuro Siwo. This current 
must have an outlet, which is possibly found in the southerly 
drift of the Atlantic side. 

During the summer there are probably long lanes of 
water free of ice, from the upper end of Smith's Sound, 
and following these, against the downward flowing cur- 
rent, a pathway will surely be found, practicable for 
boats, during some favoring season. Such favoring sea- 
son and such a practicable pathway can only be found by 
men colonized as proposed at a point where — half the jour- 



19 

ney already safely completed — they will be ready, healthy, 
vigorous, acclimated and unwearied by a long and perilous 
voyage — they will be ready and eager to seize the proffered 
opportunity. Failing such an opportunity, a chance barely 
possible, the alternative of sledge journeys stills remains, 
and sledge journeys undertaken under better and more fa- 
vorable auspices than any which have been as yet attempted. 

THE HEALTH AND PROSPECTS OF A COLONY. 

The severity of the climate on Lady Franklin Bay and in 
the neighboring regions has been much exaggerated. To 
parties under cover it is not more trying than that at the 
summits of Mount Washington, in New Hampshire, or of 
Pike's Peak, in Colorado, as stated by a former member of 
one of Dr. Hayes' expeditions, who has since served a year 
upon the summit of the last named mountain. The report 
on the Polaris expedition shows that during the summer all 
the low lands and elevations at Thank G-ocl Harbor (oppo- 
site Discovery Harbor on Lady Franklin Bay) were 
bare of snow and ice, excepting patches here and there 
in the shade of the rocks. The soil at that period was 
covered with a vegetation of moss interspersed with small 
plants and willows. Seals were abundant in the water, as 
were also jelly-fish and shrimps. Captain Hall's last des- 
patch, dated from his encampment on the north side ot 
Newman's Bay, nearly a whole degree further north than 
the site of the proposed colony, says : " We find this a much 
warmer country than we expected. We found the moun- 
tains on either side of Kennedy Channel and Robeson Strait 
entirely bare of snow and ice with the exception of one 
glacier that we saw. The country abounds with life, and 
seals, game, ducks, musk cattle, rabbits, wolves, foxes, 
bears, partridges, &c. Our sealers have shot two seals in the 
open water while at this encampment." 

Again, there are several towns in Northern Asia inside 
the Arctic circle, and a flourishing city of Russia (Archan- 
gel) is not far from it. At Yakutsk, on the river Lena, the 
ground is frozen solid all the year round, and only thaws 
a few inches in depth during the hottest summer. The 
thermometer often falls to 65° or 70° minus, and every 
winter there are periods of two or three weeks during which 
it does not rise above 60° minus upon Farenheit's scale. Yet 
this is a town possessing a population of 4,000 hardy, pros- 
perous and contented human beings. 



20 



HOME SICKNESS. 



The members of former exploring parties sailed away 
from the hospitable shores of Christendom, leaving behind 
them no connecting link of succor or of aid. With proud 
yet foreboding hearts, wafted by favoring gales, they passed 
into the very shadows of death. 

Nostalgia, that dreaded foe of isolated men, found in them 
an easy prey through the long, sunless, Arctic night, and 
drove some to mutiny and others to suicide, while, when the 
hour of deadly peril came — the supreme moment of despair 
— the stoutest heart was appalled by the knowledge that 
succor, if sent at all, must be guided by the merest chance, 
and that the rude cairn which covered his last resting place 
or his frozen effigy upon some drifting ice-floe might never 
meet the gaze of human eye. The new enterprise will go 
forth under far different auspices to seek a definite rendez- 
vouz from which every forward step will be duly chronicled, 
and the members of the expedition, well knowing that com- 
munication will be kept up for their aid, comfort and supply, 
will strive with a keener endeavor for the long coveted prize. 

But changing seasons with their varying temperatures 
bring with them varying conditions of existence. There is 
a brighter side to the picture, and Dr. Hayes gives encour- 
aging views upon this point, urging the general cheerfulness 
of Arctic crews, which is such a great stimulant to health 
and to success. Speaking of his expedition in 1861, he says 
that the crew were always, and had been, in perfect health ; 
that he was his own ship's doctor, and a doctor without a 
patient, and that, " believing in Democritus rather than Her- 
. aclitus, they had laughed the scurvy and all other sources of 
ill-health to shame." Nor is the danger of Arctic exploration 
so great as it, at first thought, appears to be. A distin- 
guished naval officer who has served in those regions states 
that, " of all the seas visited by men-of-war the Arctic have 
proved the most healthy;" and Mr. Posthumus states, fur- 
ther, that, since 1841, England and America have sent out 
thirty-two expeditions, the total number of deaths from 
which has been only 38 men, or'1.7 per cent, a percentage 
which would appear much more favorable if the expeditions 
of the Germans, Swedes and Norwegians were included. 



21 

FACTS FROM FORMER EXPEDITIONS, AND VIEWS OF SCIENTISTS 
AND EXPLORERS, WHICH SHOW THE 'PLAN TO BE A FEASIBLE 

ONE. 

The expedition of Captain ISTares, while a failure in certain 
respects, has done a vast service for future ■ explorers in 
clearly defining the difficulties to be met and overcome. 
The coast on either side of Robeson's Channel has been so- 
well laid down as to render any further attempts in this di- 
rection futile on the part of an expedition via Smith's Sound. 
In that direction the Pole must be reached by sledge and 
boat from Cape Joseph Henry, which is but 7° from the Pole. 

Captain Nares, who certainly does not underrate the diffi- 
culties, states that Lady Franklin Bay, latitude 81° 45', can 
be reached every year if the attempt is made in the right 
season. 

There it is proposed that the colony shall be established 
and left for three years. Its high latitude, the facility 
for reaching it and the seam of coal found by the Dis- 
covery, render it undoubtedly the best wintering place 
in Robeson's Channel. The party having three years to re- 
main and no means of retreat open, has every inducement to 
devote its time and energy to the accomplishment of its pur- 
pose. From Cape Joseph Henry to the Pole is about 430 
miles, which in a favorable season could be passed over in 
ninety days, going and returning. 

In 1853 Captain McClintock made a sledge trip of 1,200 
miles in 106 days, and Lieutenant Mecham one of over 1,000 
in ninety-three days. In 1821 a trip of 800 miles was made 
by Wrangell in thirty-six days. The character of the ice 
passed over by him accords, in his description, with that 
found by Commander Markham. It is true that Com- 
mander Markham's party only averaged one and a fourth 
miles daily, but several causes operated against more rapid 
progress. 

First. The want of dogs. The failure to take them seems 
a great error, for when their capacity for work is gone they 
can be used for food. 

Second. The pack ice was exceedingly rough, and the 
drifted snow lay in such directions as to seriously impede 
their progress. The snow lay in its particular direction 
from a continued west wind, which does not prevail every 
year. 

The evidence of Arctic travelers all shows that the sur- 



22 

face of the ice materially changes from year to year, being 
some years quite smooth. The statements of Lieutenant 
Payer, the commander of the Austro-Hungarian expedition, 
1872-74, are especially important in this respect, he giving 
an account of the change from smooth, regular fields of ice 
to rough, huge, disjointed packs. 

Third. The party leaving land in Robeson's Channel pre- 
sumably experienced some drift south until they had cleared 
the 83d parallel, when the tendency is divided between 
drifting east or south. The tide and current observations 
in Robeson's Channel showed continued strong southerly 
currents. The experience of Parry, who traveled weeks 
on pack ice before he discovered the general move- 
ment, shows how imperceptible the drift is. The state- 
ment that Commander Markham's party traveled 276 
miles to go seventy-three miles from the ship and but 
245 to return corroborates this opinion. The party was 
thirty-nine days going and, although sick, but thirty-three 
days returning. Directly north of Cape Joseph Henry the 
drift must become feebler as a party goes north, as Robe- 
son's Channel being too small to relieve the Polar basin of 
all its ice, the general drift is east, so as to escape by the 
east coast of Greenland. Any drift apart from the locality 
near the mouth of Robeson's Channel would hardly increase 
one's distance from the Pole. 

Fourth. The party was unprovided with lime juice or 
other anti-scorbutics, and incipient scurvey impaired the 
strength of the party shortly after starting. 

It is exceedingly probable that Commander Markham's 
party, when compelled by scurvy to turn back, was very 
near to land. The water had, we are told, shallowed to 
seventy fathoms. 

Dr. Peterman, who probably has examined with the 
closest attention the records of all Polar expeditions, is 
firmly of the opinion that land will be found directly north 
of Cape Joseph Henry, in about latitude 87°. That land 
was not seen by Markham's. party in no wise militates 
against this theory, as the nature of the ice was such as to 
preclude a view of even eight or ten miles, and low land, 
such as usually prevails in the Arctic regions, can for the 
greater part of the year only be distinguished from pack ice 
by being traveled over. Should land be found within one 
hundred and fifty miles of Cape Joseph Henry a sub-station 
could be stocked with provisions, and success thus rendered 



23 

a certainty. Should the sea open, the crossing of it would 
be a matter of only a few days. That it does open for a 
considerable distance Captain Nares admits in his report as 
definitely settled. The undoubted evidence of Kane, Hayes, 
Meyer, and Payer, is conclusive on this point. The latter, at 
Cape Fligely, latitude 82° 5', in 1874, found a sea open as 
far as eye could reach. An English writer commenting on 
this account ingenuously remarks that Payer was too 
scientific, too cool, and possessed of too good judgment to 
term it an open sea, but called it a " polymia," or water 
hole. It matters naught what it is named so long as it 
affords a safe, open road for a considerable distance toward 
the Pole. Dr. Petermann, the great geographer, believes 
such to be the case, and doubts not but had Captain Nares 
remained another year he would have reached the Pole. 

Ferrell, the great mathematical physicist, states that the 
physical condition of the globe forbids our believing in a 
solid frozen sea, but that the ocean currents maintain an 
open sea of greater or less extent. This opinion is borne 
out by the tidal and current observation made in Smith's 
Sound and Robeson's Channel and by the authorities quoted 
above, and also by the fact that, in June, 1872, the Polaris 
found open water to nearly 83°, while Payer, in the Tegett- 
hoff, was fast in the ice at 76°, near JSTova Zembla; and, 
lastly, in 1837 the True Love, of Hull, England, sailed north 
of Nova Zembla to latitude 82° 30', and saw an open sea as 
far as eye could reach. 

A SUMMARY. 

To sum up, then, in brief: It is proposed to ascend a 
well known and practicable channel to an equally well 
known point where exploring parties have previously win- 
tered, and there form a colony. From the post so formed no 
time will be spent in needless quests along the shore either 
east or west, as surveys there have already been completed ; 
but starting afresh, the point of their beginning having the 
closing point of former expeditions, with all the information 
of their forerunners to commence with ; better provisioned, 
equipped and disciplined ; with better means of inter-com- 
munication ; thoroughly acclimated, and without the refuge 
of the ship to paralyze energy and sow the seeds of discon- 
tent and slothfuluess; with all these advantages of greater 
nearness to the coveted goal, and more favorable conditions 
for its attainment, it is proposed to await the favorable 



24 

opportunity, born of the varying seasons, and follow it up 
to an assured success. In other words, to use alike the par- 
tial successes and the partial failures of others, added to the 
utmost foresight, experience and scientific aids to form the 
fulcrum of the archimedian lever which shall move the 
Arctic world. 

PUBLIC OPINION. 

Already applications to serve have been received from 
many, most of them men who are in every way qualified for 
the work, and the press throughout the country are almost 
unanimous in urging the adoption of the plan. The Ameri- 
can Geographical Society, the Smithsonian Institution, the 
National Academy of Science, the members of former 
Arctic expeditions and many gentlemen of high distinc- 
tion in the walks of science have given it their cordial 
support, while several of the most important cities through- 
out the country have directed their Representatives in Con- 
gress to advocate the passage of the bill. 

INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION. 

If America would not be outdone by other nations it be- 
hooves her to move at once The English press report 
Sweedish and Dutch expeditions as already organizing. 
The English themselves, although they have knighted Cap- 
tain ISTares and promoted every commanding officer of that 
expedition, are by no means satisfied with their failure or 
partial success, and the government is being urged to send 
out again the vessels just returned. France is about to or- 
ganize a new Arctic expedition, and already there comes 
across the ocean a suggestion from both France and Hol- 
land that by mutual agreement a series of synchronous ob- 
servations should be taken by each expedition at all points 
of their courses for future comparison and for the advance- 
ment of science throughout the world. The colony on Lady 
Franklin Bay would form a ralbying point and center for 
the different expeditions of various nations, and it would be 
the natural objective point of those trying to reach the Pole 
by way of Behring's Straits and JSTova Zembla, of which there 
are several, while for those going by way of Smith's Sound 
it would form the natural base of operations. By the adop- 
tion of this plain, therefore, the United States would hold 
the key to the position and the Pole, a position as glorious as 
it would be difficult, and one equally worthy of our national 



25 

greatness and enterprise. Certainly, having once put our 
hands to the plow, we should not turn back. Having done 
so nobly in the past we can not afford to idly relinquish all 
part in the future. Such a course would neither be consis- 
tent with our reputation for energy nor creditable to our 
Government. 

CONGRESSIONAL AID. 

The sum ($50,000) asked from Congress is small, and 
we have enough of surplus energy in either the army or 
navy to furnish a force in every way fitted for the work. 
The present Secretary of. the Navy has always taken the 
most hearty interest in Arctic explorations, and would 
probably find a vessel fitted to do its specified work, and 
from army and navy could come qualified volunteers. 

In reading over the following bill which has been intro- 
duced in the present Congress and referred to the Committee 
on Naval Affairs, several points will immediately present 
themselves : the sum asked for is small^almost to pettiness; 
the plan of detailing officers and others already in the Gov- 
ernment service ; the use of a vessel which would otherwise 
perhaps be idle or out of commission ; and the fact that 
the money is not to be used in fitting out a mere Arctic ex- 
pedition, but to establish a colony. It must be borne in mind 
that out of four purely American expeditions, three were 
mainly equipped by private enterprise, while the fourth, that 
of Captain Hall, which the United States equipped at the 
paltry cost of some $50,000, achieved, in fact, more than had 
hitherto been done by the same or any other route, and little 
less than England accomplished later at a cost of $1,000,000. 
The present plan is designed to hold the point which Hall 
attained as a permanent post for a series of years, from whence 
to make further advances. 



In the House of Representatives, January 8, 1877. Read 
twice, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and 
ordered to be printed. 

Mr. Hunter, on leave, introduced the following bill : A 
bill to authorize and equip an expedition to the Arctic Seas. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
President of the United States be authorized to organize and 
send out one or more expeditions toward the North Pole, 



26 

and to establish a temporary colony, for the purposes of ex- 
ploration, at some point north of the eighty-first degree of 
north latitude, on or near the shore of Lady Franklin Bay ; 
to detail such officers or other persons of the public service 
to take part in the same as may be necessary, and to use any 
public vessel that may be suitable for the purpose ; the 
scientific operations of the expedition to be prosecuted in 
accordance with the advice of the National Academy of 
Science; and that the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or such 
part thereof as may be necessary, be hereby appropriated 
out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropri- 
ated, to be expended under the direction of the President : 
Provided, that no part of the sum so appropriated shall be 
carried to the surplus fund or covered into the Treasury 
until the purpose of the appropriation shall have been com- 
pleted, but may be applied to expenses of said expedition 
incurred during any subsequent year that said expedition 
may be engaged in its duties. 

* CONCLUSION. 

An attempt has been made in the foregoing pages to give 
a bare outline of the chart which points the way to Arctic 
conquests ; but who shall preach the crusade ? Surely some 
chivalrous spirit in the halls of Congress will raise the glove 
which the English have so recently flung down, and accept 
the friendly challenge to a noble contest ! During the late 
bitter civil war, which arrested the footsteps of the gallant 
Hayes upon the threshold of further discovery, and through 
which our ship of state rode so triumphantly to port, the 
hand of the Architect was not stayed or the mason's chisel 
raised from the marble pile where, from her snowy dome, 
the Goddess of Liberty looks forth with earnest eyes for 
newer realms of conquest, and there can be no time more 
fitting than the present — a time of more peaceful contest — 
for the prayer of science to find a hearing and an answer. 
It is to be hoped that some such champion will be found, 
brave and patriotic enough to forget the acrimonies of the 
present in the glories of the past, and, rising above the polit- 
ical discussions of the hour, to identify himself with an in- 
ternational undertaking which shall reflect glory upon him- 
self and clothe the country of our pride with added honor ! 

The United States has entered the lists in this matter 
upon too many occasions, it has spent too much treasure, it 
has sacrificed too many valuable lives to draw back now. 



27 

And yet we have fairly shared the honors of Arctic 
explorations with our English cousins ; and their last effort 
was, in fact, more discouraging than our own. We have 
spent but a fraction of the treasure and sacrificed the merest 
tithe of the lives which have been given by England to this 
great and noble quest, and yet the results which we have 
achieved will not yield to those attained by any other nation 
in point of importance or of permanence. We need enter- 
tain no doubts of the result. Through the dim vista of 
vanished centuries the oar of colonizing Greek, the sword 
of conquering Roman have descended to the Anglo-Saxon 
as his peculiar appanage and possession, while the heart of 
Asia, the deserts of Africa and the mighty canons of the 
West bear ample testimony with the ice-bound seas that 
neither peaceful implement nor warlike weapon have been 
found too heavy for the brawny hand of the youngest scion 
of the English speaking race. 

But the rock-bound coast, the lonely glacier, teach their 
lesson of Christian fortitude and of dauntless courage to no 
unwilling ears. The English ensign still floats in those vast 
solitudes, planted in advance of ours, and the tablet placed 
over the grave of Hall by English hands is not only a grace- 
ful courtesy, but a friendly challenge to sojourn once more 
in those w T aste and desert places whence the noble Hall, 
like the Jewish seer of old, looked forth upon the land 
of promise which his feet might never tread — a land not 
flowing, indeed, with milk and honey, but rich in the au- 
rora-tinted gifts of science. The memorial tablet, the 
lonely grave, still keep watch and ward above the conquests 
we have won, while from beneath, the Arctic martyr beck- 
ons with a ghostly hand to future glory, and taking up 
again our keen unrusted weapons, we should never pause un- 
til one more star is added to the galaxy which adorns our 
flag — the mighty planet that in silent majesty guards, in 
those dim and distant regions, the solemn mysteries of the 
Pole. 



APPENDIX 



The following selections are made from the numerous 
communications received favoring the "Colonization" plan in . 
its most essential features, and show the general feeling of 
interest in the subject among explorers and men of science. 

In one feature several of the gentlemen whose views are 
given differ with me — that of the permanent retention of a 
vessel at the proposed colony. This, in my opinion, would 
be unwise and fatal to the success of the expedition, as I 
have explained elsewhere. 



(From the President of the American Geographical Society.) 

American Geographical Society, 

No. 11 W. 29th St., New York City, 

January 18th, 1877. 
Captain H. W. Hoiogate: 

My Dear Sir: Before your letter was received I inserted 
in my annual address a notice of your plan and of the bill 
before Congress. 

As you will find by my address, your mode of exploration 
is the one that I have uniformly approved and recommended 
for many years. I expressed this opinion in my address of 
1869, and in the first of my addresses, which have been 
printed, (1870,) I declared my conviction that a passage to 
the Pole by water would, in all probability, not be found, 
and' that the true method of exploration was by sledge oper- 
ations upon land from the furthest point that could be safely 
reached by a vessel. 

You will see from this that I have long been impressed 
with your general plan, and the only criticism I have to offer 
is that I think the station should not be limited to some 
point north of 81° ; for though a vessel may winter securely 
in Discovery Bay, and although there is a fine seam of 
bituminous coal three miles from where the Discovery 
wintered, yet the region, as shown by the experience of the 
English expedition and by the abandonment of the Esqui- 
maux settlements just below it, is very barren of animal 
28 



29 

life either upon the land or upon the water, whilst at Fort 
Foulke it is otherwise, and a temporary colony could be 
maintained there without any difficulty. For this reason I 
think it would have been better to have said north of 78°. 

It will afford me great pleasure to do all that I can to for- 
ward your views, and anything that the Society can do I am 
sure will be done. 

The suggestion I have made as to the limitation in the 
bill as to location of colony is entirely for your consideration, 
and will in no way affect our hearty support of the measure. 

Very truly yours, 

Chas. P. Daly. 



(From Prof. Elias Loomis, of Yale College.) 

Yale College, January 14, 1877. 
Gapt. H. W. Howgate: 

Dear Sir: I have received your letter of January 7th, 
together with a copy of a bill to be presented to Congress, 
asking for an appropriation to defray the expense of another 
expedition towards the North Pole. I have for many years 
taken a deep interest in Polar expeditions, and see no reason 
for abandoning further effort because former expeditions 
have not accomplished all that was expected. If we review 
the entire history of Polar expeditions since Captain Parry's 
first voyage, more than half a century ago, we find that every 
expedition has proved in some sense a failure ; that is, has 
accomplished less than was anticipated; and some may 
therefore conclude that all the labor which has been ex- 
pended on this Polar problem has been wasted. I take a 
very different view of the subject, and consider that the re- 
sults of the many Polar expeditions, from the first voyage of 
Capt. Parry to the present time, are worth far more than 
all the money and labor which have been expended on them. 

In order to estimate the value of the results of these expe- 
ditions we should consider what would have been the state 
of our knowledge of the physics of the globe if no such expe- 
ditions had been undertaken. There is scarcely a problem 
relating to the physics of the globe which can be fully 
understood without a knowledge of the phenomena within 
the Polar regions. Whatever phenomena we may wish to 
investigate, it is of special importance to determine its max- 



30 

imum and minimum values, and in nearly all questions of 
terrestrial physics one or other of these values is found in the 
neighborhood of the Pole. If, for example, we wish to de- 
termine the distribution of temperature upon the surface of 
the globe, it is specially important to determine the extremes 
of temperature, one of which is to be found near the equa- 
tor and the other near the Poles. If we wish to investigate 
the system of circulation of the winds, our investigation 
would be sadly defficient without a knowledge of the phe- 
nomena in the Polar regions. 

If we wish to study the fluctuations in the pressure of the 
atmosphere, whether periodical or accidental, we cannot be 
sure that we understand the phenomena in the middle lati- 
tudes unless we know what takes place in the Polar regions. 
If we wish to investigate the currents of the ocean, we find 
indications of currents coming from the Polar regions, and 
it is important to be able to trace these currents to their 
source. If we wish to investigate the laws of the tides, we 
need observations from every ocean ; and observations in the 
Arctic regions have a special value on account of their dis- 
tance from the place where the daily tidal wave takes its 
origin. If we wish to study the phenomena of atmospheric 
electricity and of auroral exhibitions, no part of the world is 
more important than the Polar regions. If we wish to 
study the phenomena of terrestrial magnetism, observations 
in the Polar regions have a special value, since it is here the 
dipping needle assumes a vertical position and the intensity 
of the earth's magnetism is the greatest. If we wish to 
determine the dimensions and figures of the earth, we require 
to know the length of a degree of latitude where it is great- 
est and also where it is least. If we wish to determine how 
the force of gravity varies in different parts of the world, we 
require observations of the second's pendulum both where 
it is greatest and where it is least. In short, there is no 
problem connected with the physics of the globe which does 
not demand observations from the Polar regions, and gener- 
ally the Poles and the Equator are more important as 
stations of observation than any other portions of the earth's 
surface. If the information which has been acquired upon 
the various subjects in the numerous Polar expeditions of the 
last half century were annihilated, it would leave an immense 
chasm which would greatly impair the value of the re- 
searches which have been made in other parts of the world. 

The subjects to which I have here referred are scientific 



31 

rather than commercial ; but many of them have an im- 
portant bearing upon questions which affect the commerce 
of the globe. In the attempts which are now being made 
by the joint efforts of the principal nations of the globe to 
determine the laws of storms, if we could have daily obser- 
vations from a group of stations within the Arctic circle, it 
is believed that they would prove of the highest value in 
enabling us to explain the phenomena of the middle lati- 
tudes. Every winter upon the eastern side of the Rocky 
Mountains we find an intensely cold wave moving dowm 
from the northward and spreading over a large portion of 
the United States. How can we fully understand the cause 
of the great changes of temperature which so frequently 
occur during the winter months unless we know where this 
cold air comes from? And how can this be determined with- 
out fixed stations of observation extending s northward over 
the Polar regions ? 

The vast extension of the commerce of the world in recent 
times and its increased security are due in no small degree 
to more accurate information respecting the physics of the 
globe, including such subjects as the mean direction and 
force of the prevalent winds ; the laws of storms ; the use 
of the barometer in giving warning of approaching violent 
winds ; the surest mode of escaping the violence of a storm 
when overtaken by a gale; the most advatnageous route 
from one part to another; the direction and velocity of the 
current in every ocean ; the variation of the magnetic 
needle in all latitudes, and its changes from year to year ; 
together with many other problems ; and most of these in- 
vestigations have been greatly facilitated by observations 
which have been made within the Arctic regions. I do not 
regard it as any exaggeration to claim that the benefits 
which have resulted both directly and indirectly to the com- 
merce o± the world in consequence of Polar expeditions, 
are more than equal to all the money which has been ex- 
pended on these enterprises. 

Is any additional advantage to the commerce of the world 
to be anticipated from further explorations in the Polar re- 
gions ? Undoubtedly. Precisely what these advantages 
may prove to be we cannot certainly pronounce beforehand; 
but upon most of the questions to which I have already 
alluded more minute information is needed. The demands 
of science are by no means satisfied, and we may confi- 
dently anticipate that any advance in our scientific knowl- 



32 

edge respecting questions connected with the physics of the 
globe will impart increased security to commerce. If a 
steamer starting from New York and traveling northward 
could pass directly over the North Pole, through Behring 
Straits into the Pacific Ocean it would be a triumph of ge- 
ographical science equal to the first discovery of America. 
Whether such a result will ever be witnessed we cannot 
safely predict ; but past explorations have not shown that 
such an achievement is impossible. I hope we shall not rest 
contented while so much that is clearly feasible remains to 
be done and until the northern boundary of Greenland has 
been traced. 

Hoping that your efforts to secure assistance in the further 
prosecution of this Polar problem may prove successful, 
I am, with much respect, yours truly, 

Elias Loomis. 



U. S. Naval Observatory, 

Washington, D. C, January 25, 1877. 

My Dear Captain : You have asked me for my views 
in regard to the vast methods of conducting Arctic explo- 
ration. I take great pleasure in complying with your 

request. 

+ ****** 

I am opposed to all spasmodic efforts to reach the Pole, 
because the chances of success are not commensurate with 
the necessary outlay. There have been comparatively few 
well organized Polar expeditions, and all these have endeav- 
ored to effect their object in a single season by a spurt, as it 
were. They have gone at erratic intervals, knowing com- 
paratively nothing of the laws that govern the Arctic sea- 
sons; so that, so far as their knowledge of th:i meteorological 
and hydrographical conditions of the Polar regions was 
concerned, each of them stood an equal chance of success. 
Under these circumstances each expedition was justly re- 
garded as an experiment. The failures that attended them 
were, in a great measure, due to a blind haste to gain their 
objects. That eminent scientists should have considered 
the quite meagre results as an ample reward for the expen- 
diture of life and money, proves only the magnitude and 
extent of the scientific secrets which are locked up in the 
frozen North awaiting the intelligent and persistent ex- 



33 

plorer. The only legacies that can be considered of absolute 
value which these expeditions have left to the world are 
the feats of heroism and endurance that send the enthusi- 
astic glow of admiration through the heart of humanity, the 
bloodless deeds of renown, and the immortal glory won, 
not by triumphs over fellow men, but by victories over 
nature in its most forbidden guise. 

A ship bearing reinforcements and supplies should, if 
possible, visit the colony each year. No one should be com- 
pelled to remain longer than one winter either on the ship 
or at the station ; and the commander should each year 
order home those whom experience has proved to be unser- 
viceable or uncompanionable. 

The band of explorers should spend each spring* and au- 
tumn in making excursions in various directions and in pay- 
ing minute attention to the accurate survey and delineation 
of the country traversed. Dogs should be used for draught. 
They are the natural teams of the country; they require 
little food and no clothing; they need no shelter; they are 
fleet and strong ; they will serve as food to a famishing party, 
and, moreover, they multiply so amazingly that, with proper 
precautions, the kennel need never be empty. The sleds 
should approximate in shape, size and material to those used 
by the Esquimaux. At least they should be fastened together 
by thongs of raw hide and should be shod with ivory. Es- 
quimaux should be employed as dog drivers to accompany 
all sledge expeditions, both because they understand how to 
take care of dogs, how to build, quickly and well, snow- 
gloos (which are best suited for temporary shelter) and also 
because they know how to hunt, which is a very important 
consideration. ISTow, white men, with all their genius and 
skill, while able to do these things tolerably after consider- 
able practice, are totally unable while on a sledge journey to 
make themselves as comfortable as the Esquimaux, who, at 
the same time, need less food and clothing. Hence, the 
knowledge and aid of these hardy sons of the North should 
be invoked. A man with ordinary tact and judgment can 
secure a willing service from these innocent and docile 

people. 

******** 

A continuous effort would also afford an opportunity to 
test men, and, in time, those qualified physically and men- 
tally for the peculiar service would be secured. A long res- 



34 

idence at the station or on the ship — whether continuous or 
broken by returns home for recuperation — would give an 
experience in the modes of Arctic travel that would be val- 
uable indeed, and that would insure final success. The>ser- 
vice would be eminently desirable, and each year hosts of 
volunteers would present themselves, from whom good men 
could be chosen. Under proper management scurvy would 
not appear, and if the quarters were comfortable and the 
food plentiful and of the right kind, the men could live as 
well and happily as in more southern latitudes. 

In order to preserve the health of the crew, special atten- 
tion should be paid to discipline. The men should not 
be required to expose themselves so as to become very 
cold or wet except under the most imperative necessity; 
neither should any unnecessary service, nor service of ques- 
tionable expediency, be forced from them. The great solic- 
itude of a commander of an Arctic expedition should be to 
keep up the spirits of his men, to banish all repinings and 
disquietude, and to promote their happiness and thorough 
content. Scurvy has no power over a man with a cheerful 
frame of mind if only he has the opportunity to provide 
suitably for the wants of his body. Exercise must be per- 
formed cheerfully and with the mind interested, to be of any 
service ; enforced exercise rarely accomplishes the intended 
results. 

Land as a base of operations is essential for the b 
of Polar effort, not only because thereby whatever ad- 
vance may be made can be held, but because the value of 
the observations will be increased if made at a permanent 
station. Many routes present this advantage, and I would 
not presume to say, absolutely, which would offer the few- 
est obstacles to an advance to the Pole. I trust that in a 
few years every possible route will be faithfully tried. 

But as an American and for an American expedition, I 

would unhesitatingly recommend the Smith's Sound route — 

the field in which Kane, Hayes and Hall won such renown — 

a field that still affords an opportunity to show the world 

what American pluck and enterprise can accomplish. It 

will be unnecessary to mention additional reasons for this 

preference. They will naturally present themselves to the 

Arctic student. 
******** 

The United States has the right to consider the Smith's 



35 

Sound route as peculiarly its own, and no effort should be 
spared to carry on in that direction the work of her illustri- 
ous heroes, living and dead. Her history contains no 
brighter pages than those that record their courage and 
endurance. 

Your plan, so far as you have announced it, is so like 
mine that it seems almost unnecessary to say how heartily 
in sympathy I am with you in your efforts to organize a 
Polar expedition upon a sound basis. I trust that you will 
be very successful ; that Congress will determine to carry 
on the good work, and that you will be spared to share its 
triumphs. Polar research offers more rewards in the way of 
national glory and renown than any other similar enterprise.. 

I am fully convinced that the flag of the United States 
can be planted upon the North Pole itself if the proper sup- 
port be given to those who have the patience and deter- 
mination to attempt and pursue the indicated plan. 

When the Arctic regions shall have thus been made 
known and the necessary scientific observations secured,, 
then the attention of explorers might be directed to the 
South Pole, and under a corresponding system that vast and 
unknown Antarctic region will yield up its secrets, and man 
will at last " have dominion over all the earth," and prove 
his obedience by attempting to " subdue it." 

Very respectfully and sincerely yours, 

R. W. D. Bryan. 
To Capt. H. W. Howgate, U. S. A., Washington, D. C, 



(From Captain George E. Tyson, of the Polaris.) 

Washington, D. C. 
Captain If. W. Howgate : 

Dear Sir : I was very agreeably surprised to see your 
letter, published some time ago in the New York papers, 
containing a proposition to Congress to appropriate money, 
ship and the necessary equipment for another expedition to 
endeavor to reach the North Pole, and I heartily concur 
with you in the plan therein suggested as the most prac- 
ticable yet devised. It is a matter of no little surprise to 
me that there has not been more of an outpouring of 
American enthusiasm toward the achievement of the sue- 



36 

cess of this great enterprise, and that, too, when we con- 
sider the magnitude and great importance of the work. It 
is unquestionably a noble effort, and the scientific societies 
of the country would do well to unite in memorializing 
Congress relative thereto. Now is the time, and if this 
Government fails this year, through a spirit of parsimonious 
economy, to appropriate the means necessary to the further- 
ance of this project, England or Germany will, in all proba- 
bility, secure the honor of this great achievement. 

George E. Tyson. 



(From Captain H. C. Chester of the Polaris Expedition) 

To the Editor of the New York Times : 

Having had some experience in Arctic exploration, and 
being familiar with its dangers and difficulties, my attention 
has been called to the letter of Captain Henry W. Howgate, 
published in the "Times" on the 26th of December, I beg 
to express my thorough approval of the plan submitted by 
Captain Howgate, as I believe it to be the only way by 
means of which the Pole can be reached. All future explora- 
tions tending to solve the mysteries of this extreme northern 
region will have to be prosecuted by means of gradual ad- 
vances made from some main depot. Exactly the same 
idea was entertained by Captain Hall. When we were at 
the furthest point of land, about 82° 8", in October, 1871, 
we looked at the so-called impenetrable sea of ice. Then it 
was moving ice and water. From its smoothness we felt 
very sure that when the colder weather set in we would 
have but little trouble traversing the channel in the spring. 
We should have endeavored to have crossed Robeson's 
Straits, and would have tried to gain a point of land visible 
northwest of us, which land we called Cape Union, and 
which we calculated was some sixty miles distant. If Cap- 
tain Howgate's suggestions of establishing a party at or about 
Robeson's Channel, or to the west of it, is ever carried out, I 
think these people would by progressive stages reach in time 
the much desired goal. As to the obstructions mentioned 
b} T Captain Nares, all I can state is that such impediments 
did not exist in my time. The reasons why I suppose they 
cannot be so formidable are founded in the following 
observations : When in May and June of 1872 we lay with 
the boats and crew of the Polaris, twenty-five miles from the 



37 

ship, on the floe ice, waiting for an opening in Robeson's 
Channel, in order to cross it, during four weeks' time the 
straits were blocked with ice, but this ice was all moving 
south. We found no opening for a month, and were una- 
ble to use our boats. This ice went southerly at the uniform 
rate of about one and a half miles an hour, and was never 
checked, save when the winds blew south or southwest. 
If, then, the strait was filled with ice moving southerly, such 
an impassable barrier of ice as Captain Nares speaks of must 
have been found at a point very much further north than 
the land designated by us as being Cape Union. I do not 
think there could have been much of an error as to the 
distance we supposed ourselves to be from this Cape Union, 
and the North Pole could not have been more than 420 
miles north of it. 

"When Captain Hall and the writer undertook the fourteen 
day sledge journey, when we worked our way along in the 
twilight, Captain Hall said to me, "I am satisfied that the 
only way to reach the Pole will be for us to carry our pro- 
visions across Robeson's Channel, to form a depot on the 
other side, and from thence take out parties. It is work we 
must lay out for ourselves this spring." I believe, had Cap- 
tain Hall lived, he would have carried forward the work just 
as Captain Howgate proposes that is, by establishing depots 
and making progressive stages. Captain Hall's untimely 
death, on the. 8th of November, 1871, prevented his accom- 
plishing this design. I think in order to prosecute the 
plan proposed by Captain Howgate, there would be no diffi- 
culty in procuring thirty men accustomed to Arctic travel, 
who would ultimately achieve success. As to fresh blood 
food, I am positive that, at least in the neighborhood of 
Robeson's Channel, the musk ox can be found from May to 
October. I shot the first musk ox on the Polaris plane in 
81° 40" during the latter part of September. With the 
crew of the Polaris in the latitude of 82° we killed twenty- 
four musk oxen. I do not believe there would be any 
trouble in provisioning thirty men yearly with this fresh 
food. I therefore must freely indorse Captain Howgate's 
views, and say with him, "Let an expedition be organized to 
start in the spring of 1877, and I firmly believe that in 1880 
the geography of the Polar circle would be definitely settled, 
and that without loss of life." 

H. C. Chester. 

Philadelphia, Saturday, December 30, 1876. 



38 

(From Mr. Robert Seyboth, a member of Dr. Hayes' expedition.) 

Captain H. W. Howgate : 

I have not the slightest doubt if a sufficient number of 
energetic men, well selected and officered, can acclimate 
themselves to the terrible severity of Arctic winters, the 
greatest difficulty in the way of the discovery of the Pole 
will have been overcome, for such a party and depot could 
be used as a base of operation from which to push forward, 
in favorable junctures of temperature and their accompany- 
ing condition, successive posts, each one to be permanently 
held until the next was established, and until some favoring 
season made the open Polar Sea a navigable reality. 

The great question to be answered in considering your 
scheme is the possibility of sustaining human life at such 
high latitudes for a sufficient length of time. I do not hesi- 
tate to answer this question in the affirmative. My own 
experience during a stay of nearly two years within the 
Arctic circle, and with an expedition that possessed none of 
the comforts and safeguards usually provided for Arctic ex- 
plorers, warraut me to believe that a systematically con- 
ducted plan of colonization, such as you propose, would 
meet no insurmountable difficulties in the effort to sustain 
life and sufficient robustness to carry out the work of ex- 
ploration. Scurvy, the great enemy of former explorers, 
can be entirely avoided by adopting the proper hygienic 
precautions, as has been fully proved by the late Captain 
Hall, who spent several years in succession in company of 
the Esquimaux, in perfect health and without assistance 
from the outside world. 

It is a noteworthy fact that American whalers, who fre- 
quently remain two or more successive winters in the Arc- 
tic regions, do not suffer from scurvy while wintering, but 
are almost invariably afflicted with the fell disease during 
the homeward voyage. Why ? Because they do not hesi- 
tate to eat plentifully of seal, walrus, bear and even whale 
meat, all of which is readily obtainable in the highest lati- 
tudes. To this diet I myself found no difficulty in becom- 
ing accustomed, and, consequently, did not suffer from 
scurvy until after the enforced resumption of " salt junk " on 
the homeward stretch. Granting, then, the possibility of 
colonization, I fully believe that the adoption of your scheme 
would strike at the root of former failures in Arctic explor- 
ations, for it substitutes the steady conquest, step by step, 



39 

in place of the spasmodic and unsustained efforts hitherto 
made at the sacrifice of untold treasure and the loss of great 
and noble lives. 

Very respectfully, Robert Seyboth. 



(Action of the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce.) 

Chamber of Commerce, Milwaukee, January 13, 1877. 

Whereas this Chamber has been and is now interested in 
matters of scientific interest, and has by its action largely 
aided and forwarded the inception and perfecting of the pre- 
sent Signal Service of the United States, as applied to com- 
merce and navigation ; 

And whereas this Chamber is desirous of expressing its in- 
terests in and good will toward all measures calculated to 
forward and extend scientific explorations and experiments 
which may have even an indirect, bearing upon such subject; 
therefore, 

Be it resolved, That we cordially approve of the proposed 
appropriation of $50,000 b} 7 the G-eneral Government to aid 
in the establishment of a temporary colony, for the purpose 
of exploration and scientific research, at or near the eighty 
first degree of north latitude, under the direction of the 
President of the United States and with the advice and 
counsel of the National Academy of Science, to carry into 
effect such detailed observations in the sciences of meteor- 
ology, botany, geology and climatology, together with the 
perfecting of the geography of unknown regions extending 
to the North Pole, as may increase the sum of human 
knowledge, redound to the credit of the United States 
and sustain the reputation and honor of our country already 
won through the labors of De Haven, Kane, Hayes, Hall and 
other eminent explorers in the northern Polar Seas. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to transmit to 
our Senators and Represenatives in Congress a copy of the 
foregoing preamble and resolutions, and to respectfully 
request their careful consideration of the same. 

The foregoing preamble and resolutions were introduced 
at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce of Milwaukee, 
January 13, 1877, and unanimously adopted. 

[seal.] E". Vankirk, President. 

W. J. Langson, Secretary. 

[Introduced in House of Representatives January 20, 1877, and referred to 
Committee on Appropriations. 

Introduced in Senate January 26, 1877, and referred to Committee on Ap- 
propriations.] 



40 

(Action of Indianapolis Board of Trade.) 

Board of Trade, Indianapolis, Jvnuary 23, 1877. 

Whereas there is now pending before Congress a bill 
introduced by General Hunter, of Indiana, appopriating the 
sum of $50,000 to aid in the establishment of a temporary 
colony for the purpose of exploration and scientific research 
at some point near the eighty-first degree of north latitude, 
under the direction of the President of the United States, 
and to carry into effect such detailed observations in the 
sciences, together with the perfecting of the geography of 
unknown regions extending to the North Pole as may in- 
crease the sum of human knowledge and redound to the 
honor of our country ; therefore be it 

Resolved, That this Board of Trade favors the passage of 
the bill, and that the Secretary transmit to our Senators 
and Representatives in Congress a copy of these proceedings. 






